https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd Made with a dash of wit en-us 2020-06-18 17:12:05 UTC 2025-11-28 14:28:49 UTC hello@padlet.com ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632515737 The first time I read Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" I was quite disappointed and confused by the story. From my understanding and reading of what a short story is supposed to be comprised of, this story seemed to lack those qualities. With my first read I assumed that the American and Girl were having an incoherent drunken conversation about a topic that was unclear. The key words that they used were operation/jig and then they emphasized using the word "it" for the last two pages to signify and cloak the topic they seemed to be arguing about. It is obvious in the story that the man is forcing something onto the woman and they are disagreeing and having issues with their relationship. With my second reading and interpretation of it, I was led to believe that this "operation" may be talk of them having an abortion, The American in this case arguing for the sake of having the abortion, while the woman is against this decision... I believe this could emphasize the symbolism of "Hills like White Elephants". This short story contains dense imagery throughout and I believe the hills like white elephants its a reference to the curves a pregnant woman may have and the white elephant representing "rareness/possibility of having the child" or possible "the elephant in the room" that they are obviously discussing although the details are meant to be left out by the author. My final closing thought to support this theory is that he says "But I don't want anybody but you. I don't want any one else. And I know its perfectly simple". This is not addressing that he is in love with her and there is nobody else for him, but a subtle way of indicating that he does not want a child in their life to complicate their relationship. Earlier in the story he mentions that he doesn't want her to do anything that she doesn't want to do and she adds "Nor that isn't good for me". As she proceeds to continue drinking the alcohol that they ordered (which is obviously bad for a pregnant woman)... the end of the short story she says"I feel fine, There's nothing wrong with me. I feel fine" The double emphasis of the "I feel fine" is an obvious indication that things are not okay with her as they are waiting for the train to arrive. ]]> 2020-06-18 17:33:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632515737 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632870644 These two stories are very different from each other in style and length but they both possess similar plot lines. In both stories a older man marries a much younger bride, and which she eventually finds out he has murdered his wives in the past. "Blue Beard" presents this plot with a more fairly tale like way of telling a short story. Instances where the story gets straight to the point and focuses on developing the story to arrive and solve the climax of the story. "The Bloody Chamber" on the other hand is presented as a prose, which contains a lot more detail and developing thoughts rather than "Blue Beard". As it is told in the woman's perspective is seems more realistic and allows for development and more compassion towards the character. The other story lacks compassion towards the victim and emphasizes the importance of curiosity often leading to deep regret and consequences. Both of these stories contain similar gender stereotypes of the story of Pandora's Box. "The Bloody Chamber" even alludes to the title of the book when she is looking through her husbands collection of books. This could also be a similar comparison to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They were given everything but told where not to go, yet eve disobeyed and ate from the tree, similar to how these female figures disobeyed and experienced the repercussions. ]]> 2020-06-18 23:12:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632870644 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632873378
Both of these stories seem to come from different cultures, but the have similar themes of feminism and other gender roles. In the "Yellow Woman" by Leslie Silko, There are many cultural differences presented within its own text. The people in the story are labeled as "white man", "yellow woman" also mentions of "Indian". These are obviously descriptive words used in old language to emphasize the setting in which the story had taken place. In "White Tigers" by Maxine Hong, setting obviously takes place in China and emphasizes the standards and views they have on their daughters. The first sentence mentions how that if these girls "failed if we grew up to be wives or slaves". Through the story, the main character is training to become a warrior yet she has to disguise herself as a man in order to do so, she eventually becomes a great warrior and over throws a corrupt emperor. This is very empowering for woman in any culture. I also see similarities of this story and Disney's "Mulan". I feel they do a great job of unveiling sexist views towards woman and presenting these ideologies for all people. Both of these stories present strong cultural differences in views among men and woman, but breaks the stereotypes for the good of the message in a short story.

]]> 2020-06-18 23:16:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632873378 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632874511
in both stories, "The Sweat" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" there are obvious themes of toxic masculinity and abuse towards women. These stories also address mental health issues/disorders. It would make sense for this to be reoccurring themes because this is a serious issue we have in many different cultures, since both of these authors have spoken out about this it is prevalent. I also saw similarities to this story as to "Blue Beard" and "The Bloody Chamber" specifically when Sykes instead of biting Delia. This is the exact similar plot to as where "you reap what you sow". I feel that this is a very important cultural lesson that is reappearing once again in these short stories. This should emphasize the importance of this now specifically relating to abusive men and how females are portrayed and treated in these cultures. In "The Yellow Wallpaper" my first read I was not sure as to whether the speech and culture had effected the diction of which the protagonist was speaking. The second read/second half of the story helped indicate that there might have been a mental issue, which her husband shows great concern. The abuse in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is not the same physical abuse of the other story, but still indicates themes of abusive behaviors.

]]> 2020-06-18 23:18:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632874511 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632876563 Reflection: I remember first reading this story and thinking that it was so vague and poorly written. I thought I was capable of writing a better story than this one. After re-reading it I truly understood and appreciated the true artistic qualities to it. Some of the best stories are never really clear on their intentions, and it takes a true writer to be able to dance around ideas and concepts to emphasize the importance of the themes. I found it very interesting to read and discuss with others about this story. Some interpretations just seemed wrong and I thought my ideas were superior to others, but later I learned that all opinions are equally as significant and provide other views and perspectives that may have not been seen. This emphasizes the importance of sharing ideas and building off of others. ]]> 2020-06-18 23:21:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632876563 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632876583 2020-06-18 23:21:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632876583 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632877652 I feel as if I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time from this class. As we were presented with so many different stories and perspectives it allowed for me to excel in understanding many issues that I was unaware of. I feel the most valuable part of this course was being able to interact and communicate different ideas with my fellow classmates. I know I personally did not speak as much as I should have and I regret not discussing some of my ideas with the class, but I will learn from this mistake. Communication and building relationships with people is the key to success for the future of our society. America as we know it is very individualistic and I see a dramatic change in the landscape of our society for the years to come. My role in that society will be to bring forward progressive ideas that hopefully lead to change for the better. I appreciate the criticisms and challenges that this class presented. Working in groups and the overall interactive experience really allowed for growth and development for me individually. At the beginning of the course I thought you would make us come up with our own short stories but as we went through the course and started reading more stories with different concepts and more complex structures, I realized that this class revolved around analysis of ideas and issues that these stories portray. In my own time I plan on eventually writing my own short stories eventually and I even have some ambitions of writing some books. I am definitely going to be applying everything I learned from this class from the detailed concepts that create complex dialogue and from the subtle but ever so meaningful underlying themes that are presented in such an artistic way. I acquired a lot of knowledge throughout this course, that I will be sure to use. This class has definitely taught me to look deeper than the surface to gain true knowledge and understanding. Many times I had to re-read passages to get a greater and proper understanding. Many times I found myself lost or quick to criticize some of these stories. I later gained deeper knowledge through this analysis with class discussions. Knowledge is always greater when it is shared and understood by the masses. I feel that this course has fulfilled my expectations more than I expected, I wish there was more time for the semester and I do wish we were able to meet in person, I feel as if I would have been able to make better bonds and relationships with my classmates which would have benefited me most in my career. Also I feel like we would have had a better relationship and be able to communicate better in person, I'm not a fan of the digital classrooms but I understand the circumstances at the moment. I am very grateful to have had you as a teacher, you were very respectful to students and very knowledgeable on the topics we discussed. Thank you again hope you have a nice summer!]]> 2020-06-18 23:23:34 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/632877652 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633977183 Reflection: The significance of these two stories still emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the role that it plays in human nature. As we know humans are very curious creatures, we let our creativity and quest for knowledge overcome us. Sometimes acting out on curiosity leads to negative outcomes. These stories also reveal a lot about gender stereotypes. The similarity between Pandora’s Box, Eve and the Garden of Eden, and these two short stories, focuses blame of misfortune and disobedience onto the woman. As they acted out on their curiosity and forbidden actions, they have been unnecessarily blamed for outcomes. These stories also reveal the toxicity of keeping something secret or forbidden for someone. In “Blue Beard” and “Bloody Chamber” the husband exposed his true character and this expresses the themes of curiosity to a further extent that provides underlying messages about society and its gender stereotypes.]]> 2020-06-19 20:19:42 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633977183 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633986583 Reflection: Many of these stories prevail over many stereotypes and gender roles. Many of these stories attempt to break these ideas and show that women can overcome what others have said or thought about them. There is an emphasis in my response about the cultural differences in each of the stories. I personally feel like the difference in cultural backgrounds of these stories is significant because it shows how ideas can be spread across cultures. These emotions of proving yourself and breaking these stereotypes is significant and relevant to each its own. Woman being showed as the weaker sex is a dated idea and the times have changed, anyone can be anything they want to be. ]]> 2020-06-19 20:33:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633986583 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633990548 Reflection: Abuse and psychological disorders is another significant issue that we are dealing with today as well. It is a fact that many people are sick mentally and we should do everything we can to help those in need. In days like this it is so important to emphasize unity and communicate with the masses. If society can get past its differences and work together as a whole there is no stopping that progress. “You reap what you sow” message is apparent through this story and others we have read in the past. What comes around goes around and how we treat others effects what happens to us. This is one of the most important and easiest ethical concepts to understand, yet unfortunately it seems as if people struggle with this. Hopefully one day we can look past this and be a more collective and understanding community. ]]> 2020-06-19 20:38:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633990548 ajm17g https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633998460 Reflection: Again mental health and psychological disorders seem to harm humans and we do not nurture these people as much as we should. Communication and coming up with alternatives is the only way to progress. I see this trend in many of my reflections. The ideas and issues we face everyday, make us who we are. What we do to fix them and how we go about change is what makes up the difference for the generations after us. Its important for us students to understand the complexities of these issues and be the leading role models to make change in this world. I have hope in our generation and I think proper change and justice will come with time. ]]> 2020-06-19 20:51:10 UTC https://padlet.com/ajm17g/hecyktg7mnk30iwd/wish/633998460